It looks like the Pittsburgh Penguins may get their wish for new jerseys. However, I’m not sure that it’ll be the jersey change that we’ve all been wishing for.
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The Pens have gone through multiple third jerseys over the last few years. The latest though, a throwback to the 1990’s version of the Pittsburgh Penguins black and gold that was worn by the likes of Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Ron Francis, and Paul Coffey is clearly a fan favorite.
Many have petitioned online for the Pittsburgh Penguins to switch to the new third jerseys on a full-time basis. A recent agreement between Adidas and the NHL may give Pittsburgh fans their wish. Or, maybe not.
Adidas reportedly struck a deal that will officially be announced in September giving them rights to the league’s jerseys, currently manufactured by Reebok. Those same reports state that Connor McDavid has already filmed a commercial promoting the new brand and Adidas is in discussions with Sidney Crosby for when his endorsement contract with Reebok expires later this month.
From @rwesthead: @adidas lands exclusive @NHL jersey deal beginning in 2016-17 season. http://t.co/BmPyxbkmXJ pic.twitter.com/yz8gal2y4H
— SportsCentre (@SportsCentre) August 17, 2015
The new jerseys seem to be a step toward the NHL finally allowing sponsors to be sewn on player’s jerseys, similar to what we see overseas in multiple leagues. Allowing companies to advertise on jerseys will be a huge revenue driver for the league. According to TSN…
“During a meeting of NHL team presidents in New York last year, league officials estimated they might raise $4 million per team – or $120 million annually – by allowing corporate sponsors to put their logos front and centre on jerseys.”
According to the report, Adidas is also expected to make the jerseys for next summer’s World Cup of Hockey, though that part isn’t confirmed just yet.
So, with this news comes the question of what the Pittsburgh Penguins jerseys will look like under the new brand. Will they return to the original color scheme with some indication of the Adidas logo on it for brand recognition purposes? We’ll have to wait and see, but it sounds like a sure thing that at least something will be changing in the world of NHL uniforms.
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